This coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has seriously caused lots of fear in people across the world. Despite the virus's rapid spread, most infected individuals have made a total recovery within few weeks. Based on the research made by the World health organization, the worldwide fatality rate seems to be between 3-4%. Hence, there are easy ways to protect loved ones and yourself from getting infected by the virus. For instance, people wear face masks to prevent themselves from contracting the virus, while health professionals recommend using face masks to prevent transmission.
Nevertheless, President Biden assured that the federal government would have adequate doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to vaccinate about 300 million Americans towards the end of May. However, the announcement of the vaccine shouldn't keep us from staying safe.
Written below are the steps you can take to protect yourself, friends, and family and to prevent the further spreading of Coronavirus:
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Limit contact
Inside the Guidelines Trusted Sources for caring for people with COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that: An individual infected with COVID-19 should isolate themselves from others in the home. Besides, the person with COVID-19 should make use of a separate bedroom and bathroom.
You and your family should maintain staying at least 6 feet away from the person with COVID-19 as frequently. The person with COVID-19 should be isolated and quarantined for at least 14 days from the onset of symptoms or positive test, and more than in severe cases.
Dr. Bruce E. Hirsch, the attending physician and assistant professor in the infectious disease division of Northwell Health, stated that if you're in a tight space, ensure that the infected person stays as far away as possible from others.
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Keep Windows Open
To improve the living quarters' ventilation, make the windows open as much as moderately, even the heat increases. "Always keep in mind about virus stay in air as small droplets and infect others easily.
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Wash Hands and Disinfect Surfaces Regularly
The CDC recommends that everyone maintains good hand hygiene by:
- Make sure you wash your hands always with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after being close to a sick person.
- Ensure you use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren't available.
- Don't even try to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands.
Also, the CDC suggests cleaning and disinfecting "high-touch" surfaces and items daily, like handles, toilets, tables, light switches, sinks, doorknobs, desks, faucets, and electronics. The CDC recommends that these surfaces and items are cleaned with soap and water and then use a potent household disinfectant.
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Wear a Mask
The CDC stated that a sick person should wear a mask whenever they're around other people or close to their friends or family. Besides, those around them or living with them must also wear a mask.
Face masks help contain respiratory infections from the nose and mouth of an infected person. Several latest data also support the truth that face masks protect individuals from becoming infected too.
Although wearing face masks doesn't guarantee 100% protection against contracting the Coronavirus, wearing a face mask can decrease your chances of getting infected.
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Eat Healthy
Don't involve in any self-medication; ensure you ask your doctor before you take any supplement. It's essential you eat a balanced and healthy diet and avoid gaining weight. Besides, gaining weight is so easy during this period of fear and uncertainty. Also, we are aware of some health conditions that make a person susceptible to COVID-19 complications, and several of those health conditions will be addressed by healthy and lifestyle changes.
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Stay in if You Feel Sick.
Ensure you avoid having close contact with other people whenever you feel sick, especially if you're cold, feeling feverish, or coughing. Also, seek medical attention, don't leave the sickness to yourself.
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Depend on Trusted Sources
Listening to commendations and false information from friends, family, and people on social media is inevitable. Hence, it is best to listen only to trusted sources backed by professionals regarding information and recommendations on COVID-19.
There is much misinformation on social media and the internet that probably suggests everything from taking massive doses of vitamins to having a hot bath as useful in preventing you from contracting the COVID-19 infection. The truth is that lots of these suggestions are either scientifically unproven or discredited, and some can even be dangerous to your health.
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Talk to a Friend
Suppose you've had a household contact test positive for COVID-19, it's normal to go through lots of emotional feelings such as depression, anxiety, fear, and loneliness, which can be debilitating and intense. However, your friends and family are the best options for you to express your feelings in situations like this.
Speaking about what you're experiencing and expressing your feelings to a friend or relative can be very cathartic and help enhance your physical and emotional well-being.
Conclusion
The constant news and reports on the global coronavirus pandemic are frightening. Still, it's vital to be well-informed and know what you need to do to prevent yourself, your family, and your friends from contacting Coronavirus.
